BGC warns casino tax rise could put thousands of jobs at risk
The Betting and Gaming Council says a planned increase in Machine Games Duty could force casinos across Britain to close, with job losses concentrated outside London.
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The Betting and Gaming Council said on 12 October 2026 that thousands of casino jobs could be lost and venues forced to close if the government proceeds with a planned rise in Machine Games Duty to 40 per cent.
According to the BGC, the tax change would pose a serious threat to the casino sector, putting as many as 3,800 jobs at risk and potentially leading some operators to close up to a third of their venues.
The trade body said communities outside London would bear the brunt of any closures, with half of those affected located in the North of England and Scotland, accounting for around 1,900 jobs. A further fifth of closures would be in the Midlands, compared with just 10 per cent in London.
The BGC said the casino sector currently employs more than 10,000 people directly and supports a further 3,700 jobs, attracting 14 million customer visits a year. It said the industry contributes £515 million in taxes and generates £815 million for the wider economy.
The organisation also warned that more than £50 million in planned investment could be cancelled or reduced if duty rises further.
Grainne Hurst, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, said: “You cannot tax a casino that has closed. The Chancellor must not gamble with thousands of British jobs and the future of an entire industry.”
The BGC said closures would damage local economies and reduce job opportunities, particularly for young people, women and part-time workers in hospitality and leisure roles, and cautioned that former casino sites often remain empty once businesses close.
Source: Betting and Gaming Council.